1. Starbucks

Starbucks is the perennial favourite among teens, having replaced the mall as their preferred place to meet up and hang out.

The coffee chain has been the No. 1 choice among both upper-income and middle-income teens in each of the past 12 surveys by Piper Jaffray.

The chain’s food sales are exploding, and it has been adding beer and wine to the menu at dozens of locations across the US, which will most likely make it even more appealing to young people. The popular loyalty program and app are also major growth drivers.

“Survey results suggest continued competitive intrusion from Chick-fil-A (specifically among average income teens),” analysts wrote. However, they also noted that “McDonald’s overwhelming lead as the preferred hamburger brand was maintained in the latest survey cycle.”

The chain’s low prices are a big draw for cash-strapped young people, who are more likely to be underemployed and working multiple jobs to pay off student-loan debt.

“We believe operational, culinary, and technology initiatives position McDonald’s for continued improvement over the next several years,” analysts said.